Redbridge Council awarded Home Office grant to help modern slavery and trafficking victims in the borough

Cllr Bob Littlewood said the council is pleased to have successfully bid for this important new funding to help tackle this complex issue. Picture: Steve Poston. (Image: Archant)

The borough is one of six pilot regions across the country to be given funding and the project will offer victims specialised support and access to accommodation which will help rebuild their lives.

Cabinet member for crime, safety and community cohesion, Councillor Bob Littlewood, said being trafficked for work or forced into domestic servitude or subject to other exploitation is a “horrendous fate”.

“We take our responsibilities towards the victims of modern-day slavery very seriously and are very pleased to have successfully bid for this important new funding to help tackle this complex issue,” he said.

“Working closely with the Home Office, this injection of money will be used to support those people that have faced the perils of modern slavery to live safely and independently in the community.”

The pilots are part of a set of initiative announced by the government in October 2017 to create a system that is quicker and more efficient in identifying potential victims.

“Knowledge and learning” from the project will be shared with other councils and organisations in a bid to develop a better programme of support.

Minister for crime, safeguarding and vulnerability, Victoria Atkins, said: “Modern slavery and human trafficking are truly sickening crimes that no one should suffer.

“This government is determined to help these victims and has led the world in tackling it through the introduction of the Modern Slavery Act.

“This project in Redbridge will help ensure victims receive the care and support they need and can rebuild their lives away from the fear of further exploitation.”